Memories. That's what Kelley Solomon and Kati Connors share, the result of a friendship that's lasted more than 20 years. "Her parents have a place on Martha's Vineyard and us girls would go there as our escape growing up," says Kati, who lives in Madison. "You can think back to those memories and it really helps get you through." She is leaning on her childhood confidante more than ever, since her husband, Kyle, was diagnosed with ALS last October. "We still haven't absorbed it," says Kati with emotion. "The future ahead is so surreal." Shock, yes. But acceptance, no. Friends and family are joining Kati, Kyle and their two daughters in a battle with this devastating disease. Kelley is using her skills to raise awareness and funds.

"I would do anything for them," says this Killingworth mother-of-two, also owner of Aquinnah Jewelry, named for her favorite place on the Vineyard. She designed special pieces bearing inspirational words, such as "courage" and "strength". In a provocative move, she also created pendants that read "FU ALS", a sign of empowerment, worn proudly by both Kyle and Kati. "You get angry, you get mad. Why us, why now?" explains Kati. "I think that anger actually fuels our fight." Twenty percent of the sales of the items, which cost $80, will benefit MyHeroFund.org, to help with Kyle's medical costs. A benefit walk is scheduled Saturday, April 25 at the Surf Club in Madison.

Approximately 30,000 Americans suffer from ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Kyle, about to celebrate his 36th birthday, took the now-famous Ice Bucket Challenge a few months before he was diagnosed. "Reading about it then living through it, you don't realize what it does to you," he says. "It affects my speech, it affects my walking…picking up something or opening a wrapper is difficult for me now but I know eventually it's going to take my ability to walk and talk and even eat." Currently involved in a clinical trial at Mass General in Boston, Kyle says his girls, ages 3 and 6, keep him going everyday: "I try to gain strength from them."

In a show of solidarity, the Connors' closest friends all wear the ALS jewelry. "What I like best about the necklace is that it's close to the heart and people notice it and want to know what it means," says Kati, grateful to her dear friend for designing this catalyst for awareness, a path towards a cure. Those carefree days at the beach may be behind them but they are working to make more precious memories, everyday, with Kyle by their sides.